Dave Power Named CEO and President of Perkins
Watertown, MA (PRWEB) April 07, 2014 -- Perkins today announced that Dave Power, a longtime business advisor and former software company executive, is the organization’s new CEO and president. Power has worked as a successful business strategist and operating executive for more than 25 years, helping companies assemble effective teams and identify new opportunities for growth.
“We couldn’t be happier with the choice,” said Frederic M. Clifford, Chairman of Perkins Board of Trustees. “Dave brings an informed viewpoint and innovative approach that will take Perkins and its various business ventures to the next level. His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit are exactly what we need.”
Power will oversee Perkins’ five divisions:
• Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts;
• Perkins Products, which includes the Perkins Brailler and other assistive technology;
• Perkins Library, provider of audio, large print and braille books;
• Perkins International, helping organizations in 67 countries build educational opportunities for children who are blind or deafblind; and
• Perkins eLearning, delivering online education and networking opportunities for educators and parents of children with visual impairments.
“Perkins has an extraordinary opportunity, shaped by technology advancements and the changing needs of the populations we serve,” Power said. “With our leadership, our know-how and our partners, we have a special opportunity to improve what we do today, reach new populations, and deliver exciting new products and services. I’m thrilled to take on this role.”
Five years ago, Power helped develop the Perkins eLearning initiative to extend the know-how from the Perkins ‘center of excellence’ in Watertown to other geographies through online education, webinars and professional networking.
As CEO and President, he will look for new ways to improve services and outreach while also working closely with Dorinda Rife, the recently appointed Superintendent and Executive Director of National Educational Programs, to continue promoting the mission of Perkins School for the Blind, which is the foundation of the organization.
“It was important to find someone who thinks strategically and can focus on our various business interests to seize new opportunities for growth,” said Corinne Grousbeck, Vice-Chair of the Perkins Board of Trustees. “I am also excited to partner with someone who shares my passion for the work because of a deep, personal connection to our cause.”
In addition to his reputation as an innovative thinker and successful businessman, Power brings a personal understanding and passion for the mission and future of Perkins as the parent of a son who is deafblind and who graduated from Perkins.
A 10-member search committee chose Power after a six-month vetting process of more than 200 candidates. The search committee consisted of eight board-of-trustee members and two executive team members. One of the top search firms in the nation, Witt/Kieffer, was brought on to help identify the best candidates and narrow the field. Additionally, another outside agency, Green Peak Partners, provided a rigorous assessment of the final candidates.
Power, who is the founder and current president of Power Strategy, Inc., is a former CEO and senior executive at several leading technology and investment firms and has advised business leaders on the essential elements of long-term sustainable growth. He has worked for companies such as Sun Microsystems, Novera Software and Fidelity Ventures. He earned BSCE and MS degrees from Tufts University, and an MBA from Stanford Business School. He is also the author of The Curve Ahead: Discovering the Path to Unlimited Growth. He lives with his wife, Helene, and their five children in Newton, Massachusetts.
About Perkins
Perkins provides education, services and products to people who are blind, deafblind and visually impaired with other disabilities to help them build more productive and meaningful lives. Perkins pursues this mission both locally and globally. Founded in 1829, Perkins reaches nearly one million people each year in 67 countries around the world. The organization advances its mission through its various divisions: School for the Blind, Products, Library, International and eLearning. Learn more at http://www.Perkins.org.
Marilyn Rea Beyer, Media/PR Director, Perkins, http://www.Perkins.org, +1 (617) 972-7478, [email protected]
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